2 hrs ago
High Court Clears Path for GVMC Polls in 120 Wards
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation may soon hold elections for 120 wards.
Earlier, some people asked the court to stop the ward boundaries from being changed.
The High Court dismissed those cases and said the Census process did not prevent the redivision.
Officials are now preparing the final ward map.
People will get another chance to give suggestions after the government approves the draft.
GVMC has been run by a government-appointed officer since the elected body’s term ended in March.
Some lawmakers also want 79 nearby village councils to join GVMC.
The villages said they may agree if taxes do not rise for 10 years and an employment scheme continues.
The High Court dismissed petitions challenging the redivision of GVMC wards, removing a legal obstacle to elections.
The number of GVMC wards is set to increase from 98 to 120 based on population.
Authorities received 2,667 objections and representations on the preliminary ward-redivision draft.
The elected GVMC body’s term ended in March, and a Special Officer has administered the corporation since then.
A proposed merger of 79 gram panchayats with GVMC could affect election timing, with villages seeking assurances on taxes and employment schemes.
- Who
- The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, Andhra Pradesh government, district authorities, petitioners, and residents of 79 proposed merger villages.
- What
- The High Court dismissed challenges to GVMC ward redivision, allowing preparations for elections to 120 wards to continue.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- When
- The elected GVMC body’s term ended in March; the High Court recently dismissed the petitions.
- Why
- The wards are being reorganised based on population to enable local-body elections, while a proposed merger of 79 gram panchayats may affect the election schedule.
Proceed With Ward Reorganisation
Address Census and Merger Concerns
Legality of redivision
Proceed With Ward Reorganisation
The High Court held that the Census had no bearing on the internal reorganisation of GVMC wards and dismissed the petitions.
Address Census and Merger Concerns
Petitioners argued that ward redivision should not proceed while the Census process was underway and sought a stay.
Timing of elections
Proceed With Ward Reorganisation
District authorities say the court ruling allows them to release the final draft and continue preparations for local-body elections.
Address Census and Merger Concerns
The proposed merger of 79 gram panchayats could affect the timing, while villages want assurances on taxes and employment benefits before agreeing.
Key facts
- Current wards
- 98
- Proposed wards
- 120
- Public objections received
- 2,667
- Elected body term
- Ended in March
- Current administration
- A Special Officer, with the District Collector overseeing GVMC affairs
- Proposed village merger
- 79 gram panchayats
- Village conditions
- No increase in property and other taxes for 10 years, and continuation of the employment guarantee scheme
Sources
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